Bestiality ban overdue

There are few issues that will come before lawmakers this session that are as obvious a “yes” vote as Senate Bill 215.

The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Republican Mark Moores of Albuquerque and Democrat Brenda McKenna of Corrales, would outlaw bestiality. It would make sexual abuse of an animal a fourth-degree felony for the first violation, a third-degree felony for a second or subsequent violation, or if the abuse takes place in the presence of a child.

To those lawmakers concerned about 4-H programs, the bill’s language has exceptions for accepted animal husbandry practices and animal judging. For ranchers, it includes exceptions for accepted practices related to the insemination of animals, as well as for veterinary medical practices. And it has the support of the N.M. Livestock Board and the Attorney General’s Office.

To those who think it’s not a problem, note that “mare bonding” (look it up) is advertised openly in New Mexico, where producing bestiality porn is not against state law.

New Mexico has made steady progress against animal abuse in recent years — outlawing cockfights, coyote-killing contests and trapping on public lands. Yet, we and West Virginia are the only two U.S. states where bestiality is not illegal, despite strong evidence linking animal abuse with child sexual abuse, child pornography and other exploitative crimes.

SB 215 is before the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee, which must pass the bill promptly, and get it to the Senate and House floors for final passage so we can join the 48 states that rightfully outlaw this practice.